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National Center on Response to Intervention Now Includes Pearson’s Reading and Math Diagnostic Assessments as Approved RTI Solutions

BLOOMINGTON, Minn.  October 19, 2011 

Pearson today announced that the National Center on Response to Intervention (NCRTI) now includes GRADE™ (Group Reading Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation) and GMADE™ (Group Mathematics Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation). NCRTI reviewed GRADE and GMADE as a part of its annual evaluation of Reading Screening Tools, and gave the diagnostic assessments the highest possible rating for reliability.

"Pearson is honored to have GRADE and GMADE earn this prestigious recognition as reliable RTI solutions, reinforcing the programs' effectiveness, quality and usability. This independent rating from the leading RTI standard-setting organization is independent confirmation that our top reading and math diagnostic assessments are valid and reliable," said Carol Watson, president, Pearson's Clinical Assessment business. "As RTI programs grow, it is important that the rigor of the tools and implementations are based on accurate data gathered from systems like GRADE and GMADE."

GRADE and GMADE are normative diagnostic reading and math assessments that determine what developmental skills students from preK-12 have mastered and where they need instruction or intervention. As GRADE and GMADE tests levels progress, each measures sequentially more challenging skills appropriate to the specific levels. With rich diagnostic assessment data, educators can determine placement of students, analyze strengths and weaknesses, plan instruction, monitor growth from grade to grade, and help with post-secondary educational planning.

Located at the American Institutes for Research, NCRTI is funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. The center partners with researchers from Vanderbilt University and the University of Kansas to build the capacity of states to assist districts in implementing proven models for RTI.

In support of its mission, NCRTI established a standard process to evaluate the scientific rigor of commercially available tools and interventions that can be used in an RTI context. The review process requires one Technical Review Committee of national experts, based on the type of product, to evaluate each product against evidence standards. Once tools are found to meet NCRTI's standards, information is disseminated on all products that go through the review on the center's technical assistance activities and websites.

For more information about GRADE and GMADE call 877-324-2401.

About Pearson

Pearson (NYSE:PSO), the global leader in education and education technology, provides innovative print and digital education materials for preK through college, student information systems and learning management systems, teacher professional development, career certification programs, and testing and assessment products that set the standard for the industry. Pearson’s other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. For more information about the Clinical Assessment group of Pearson, visit www.pearsonassessments.com.